Fethiye Cruise, Cappadocia & Istanbul - 9 Days

Fethiye - Turunc Bay/Tarzan Bay - Tersane Bay. Once you have arrived in Fethiye, make your way to the Fethiye harbour, where we will board our gulet at around 3 PM. You'll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in either Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay. Cruising past several islands, we proceed to Tersane Island, also known as Dockyard Island. Here, you can explore the intriguing ruins of a former Greek town and an old naval shipyard. We spend the night aboard the gulet, enjoying dinner in the comfortable surroundings of our cabin.

Please note:Gulet cruise itineraries may change without notice at the captain's discretion. A tour guide is not present during the cruise – guiding is provided during land tours.

Tersane Bay - Gocek Bay. Today, we set off for Hamam Bay, where you can swim amidst the ancient ruins of Roman Baths, originally constructed by Mark Antony as a gift for Cleopatra. Our journey then takes us to Sarsala Bay, a picturesque location encircled by pine trees. From here, you have the option to embark on a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, known for its walls inscribed in the 3rd century BC. Next, we visit Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a renowned Turkish painter, where you can swim in the clear blue waters or explore the island at your leisure. We will spend the night on the gulet.

Gocek Bay - Red Island - Fethiye. This morning, we set sail towards Fethiye, navigating past the Yassica and Gocek Islands. These small, often unnamed islands provide excellent anchorage and feature secluded sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply basking in the sun amidst stunning scenery. We'll make a final stop at Red Island for a refreshing swim before returning to Fethiye. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner on the gulet.

Fethiye - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Pamukkale. After breakfast, we depart Fethiye for Pamukkale. On arrival, we visit the striking white Travertines and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman spa town known for its well-preserved theatre, thermal baths, and necropolis.

You can enjoy a swim in the hot springs, surrounded by ancient columns, once used by the Romans for their therapeutic benefits. We will then make our way to our hotel, where we will enjoy dinner. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. Today, we journey along the historic Silk Road, starting with a visit to Sultanhani Caravanserai, once a crucial stop for traders seeking shelter and rest. We then continue to the Mevlana Museum in Konya, which houses the mausoleum of Rumi, the renowned 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic. This evening, you can choose to attend a traditional Turkish folklore evening—an optional experience that showcases the rich cultural heritage through music and dance. We will then make our way to our boutique hotel in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, we set out to discover Cappadocia’s striking landscapes, starting at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where we see ancient cave churches decorated with well-preserved frescoes. We then visit the region’s famous fairy chimneys, remarkable rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of erosion. In the afternoon, we venture underground to explore one of Cappadocia’s multi-level subterranean cities, once used as a refuge by early Christian communities. Throughout the day, there will be ample opportunities to photograph these unique surroundings, so keep your camera close at hand.

Cappadocia - Ankara - Istanbul. This morning, we depart early from Cappadocia and travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Here, we visit Anıtkabir, the impressive mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey. The complex also houses a museum showcasing Atatürk’s life, the War of Independence, and the founding principles of modern Turkey. After our visit, we will continue our journey to Istanbul. If you would prefer not to travel by bus from Cappadocia to Istanbul, you can opt to take a flight instead, available at an additional cost.

Please note:For tours departing between 9th May and 17th October 2026, the designated hotel in Istanbul is The Halich Hotel.

Today, we will wander through the vibrant city that bridges Europe and Asia. We begin at the Blue Mosque, known for its elegant domes, six minarets, and intricate Iznik tiles. At the St Sophia Museum, once a church and later a mosque, we explore layers of the city's religious and architectural history. We then visit Dolmabahce Palace, the opulent final residence of the Ottoman sultans. In the Hippodrome, we'll see remnants of the ancient chariot racing arena, including the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.

In the afternoon, you will have the option of joining a half day Bosphorus Cruise, whetre you will cruise on the water which seperates Europe and Asia.

After your final breakfast, depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping, a bit of exploring, or simply relaxing before heading to the airport for your onward flight.